If a charity cannot find a Will, there are a number of steps that can be explored. Legacy dispute lawyer, Naomi Ireson looks at some of those options.
a) Search the deceased’s personal papers
People often keep their important paperwork in a safe place at home, perhaps in a drawer in their bedroom, or in a filing cabinet or bureau in their study. So, make sure you have a good hunt round.
b) Contact the deceased’s solicitor
Solicitors often store Wills for their clients. If the deceased had dealings with a particular solicitor, then contact the firm to find out if they hold the Will. If you don’t have the name of a specific solicitor, then you could try a ‘round-robin’ email to all the firms in the vicinity.
c) Contact the deceased’s bank
Banks also offer storage facilities for Wills, so make enquiries with the deceased’s bank.
d) Contact Will registers
There are several privately operated Will registers. The National Will Register is the Law Society’s preferred provider and has over 10 million Wills recorded in its system.
If you draw a blank and would like to run a scenario past our team on a free of charge basis, then feel free to contact our helpline on 0333 888 0439.
